The article is about exercise and its benefits for cancer sufferers.
I try and walk at least 15 minutes a day, and have been trying to find somewhere that does Tai Chi.
The article is by David Haas
Fitness Programs During Cancer Treatment
Regular exercise and eating correctly have always been keystones to lowering a person’s risk for cancer. But a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment should not stop the patient from exercising when possible. For decades, bed rest and avoidance of many physical activities were the prescribed therapy. But new studies are showing the benefits to the patient of moderate physical exercise during treatment. In fact, new guidelines by the American Society of Clinical Oncology are now prescribing exercise as a part of the treatment process.
As with healthy individuals, a regular regimen of exercise will help promote a healthier body for those undergoing cancer treatments or those in recovery. This holds true for all different types of cancer ranging from skin cancer to mesothelioma. Moderate exercise, when possible, will help promote:
Better mood;
Increase muscle tone and strength;
Higher physical energy;
Mitigation of fatigue;
Sharper mental capacity;
Increased endurance and stamina.
The National Cancer Institute has identified 2 studies demonstrating the benefits of an exercise program and cancer survival rates. In one study, women diagnosed with breast cancer who maintained a moderate exercise program had a higher survival rate than those who did not. The exercise consisted merely of walking 3 to 5 miles per week. In another, a home exercise program showed improvement in both the physical and psychological levels of women diagnosed with breast cancer and who previously maintained sedentary lifestyles.
In 2010, the e American Society of Clinical Oncology created new guidelines supporting exercise during cancer treatment. For most cancer patients, 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week is recommended. Walking, swimming, yoga and other moderate activities are recommended, depending on the fitness level and present condition of the individual patient.
The guidelines point out that the activity be tailored to the individual patient. For instance, those who were more active before the cancer treatment began are more likely to tolerate moderate activity, as opposed to those with a sedentary lifestyle prior to treatment.
However, beginning slow, not exercising to the point of severe fatigue and building up stamina over time can also benefit those who were not active in the past. There are other risks to consider, and precautionary measures that should be taken, such as those predisposed to infection. Extra caution should be taken with those patients, such as disinfecting equipment or avoidance of public fitness centers. But even these situations would not preclude some type of home fitness program.
Patients should consult with their oncologist / doctor / specialist in considering a fitness program for their needs. But the newest studies are favorable to beginning a fitness program as soon as possible during treatment.
As with healthy individuals, a regular regimen of exercise will help promote a healthier body for those undergoing cancer treatments or those in recovery. This holds true for all different types of cancer ranging from skin cancer to mesothelioma. Moderate exercise, when possible, will help promote:
Better mood;
Increase muscle tone and strength;
Higher physical energy;
Mitigation of fatigue;
Sharper mental capacity;
Increased endurance and stamina.
The National Cancer Institute has identified 2 studies demonstrating the benefits of an exercise program and cancer survival rates. In one study, women diagnosed with breast cancer who maintained a moderate exercise program had a higher survival rate than those who did not. The exercise consisted merely of walking 3 to 5 miles per week. In another, a home exercise program showed improvement in both the physical and psychological levels of women diagnosed with breast cancer and who previously maintained sedentary lifestyles.
In 2010, the e American Society of Clinical Oncology created new guidelines supporting exercise during cancer treatment. For most cancer patients, 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week is recommended. Walking, swimming, yoga and other moderate activities are recommended, depending on the fitness level and present condition of the individual patient.
The guidelines point out that the activity be tailored to the individual patient. For instance, those who were more active before the cancer treatment began are more likely to tolerate moderate activity, as opposed to those with a sedentary lifestyle prior to treatment.
However, beginning slow, not exercising to the point of severe fatigue and building up stamina over time can also benefit those who were not active in the past. There are other risks to consider, and precautionary measures that should be taken, such as those predisposed to infection. Extra caution should be taken with those patients, such as disinfecting equipment or avoidance of public fitness centers. But even these situations would not preclude some type of home fitness program.
Patients should consult with their oncologist / doctor / specialist in considering a fitness program for their needs. But the newest studies are favorable to beginning a fitness program as soon as possible during treatment.
No comments:
Post a Comment